Ecosystems

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The Earth is remarkably resilient despite centuries of human impact. However recent evidence suggests we are devaluing our natural capital at an alarming rate. Current conservation efforts have failed to outpace the negative impacts from human activity on biodiversity. While many of these outcomes are felt locally first, the long-term consequences are global.

Societal Must-Have

Reduce loss of ecosystems and restore degraded ones.

By 2020, reduce the loss of natural ecosystems and restore degraded ones so that biodiversity and ecosystem services are maintained:

Rate of forest loss is at least halved and, where possible, brought close to zero (relative to the average 2000-2010 rate)

Rate of wetland loss is at least halved and, where possible, brought close to zero (relative to the average 2000-2010 rate)

10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved

15% of degraded forests as of 2010 are pledged to, or are under restoration

15% of degraded wetlands as of 2014 are pledged to, or are under restoration